What do you think?
Rate this book
Free Trader #1-9
Free Trader Complete Omnibus - Books 1-9: A Cat and his Human Minions
With a vision of a world free from war, one man and a cat set out to make their fortune.The most lucrative? Trading in tech of the ancients. If they could find it and bring it to willing buyers. If only it were that easy.
But then everything changed. It became bigger than Braden and the Golden Warrior.
Braden only wanted free trade. But there needed to be peace.And that became his mission.Joined by a cast of sentient characters, Braden and G-War fight for all humanity.
All nine books of the Free Trader in one collection.
1: The Free Trader of Warren The Free Trader of Planet Adventures on RV Battle for the Free the North!6: Free Trader on the High Southern The Great Cat Return to the TravelerJoin Braden, the Golden Warrior, Micah, Aadi, Skirill, and the rest on a grand adventure across the length and breadth of Planet Vii.
But then everything changed. It became bigger than Braden and the Golden Warrior.
Braden only wanted free trade. But there needed to be peace.And that became his mission.Joined by a cast of sentient characters, Braden and G-War fight for all humanity.
All nine books of the Free Trader in one collection.
1: The Free Trader of Warren The Free Trader of Planet Adventures on RV Battle for the Free the North!6: Free Trader on the High Southern The Great Cat Return to the TravelerJoin Braden, the Golden Warrior, Micah, Aadi, Skirill, and the rest on a grand adventure across the length and breadth of Planet Vii.
2151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2019
922 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Craig Martelle
304 books7,855 followersVisit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 25, 2019
Dane Thorson, the Free Traders, and his cat
No wait, wrong author. Yes, authors tend to inspire each other. I am disappointed though, that Mr Martell makes no mention or tribute to Andre Norton, although the entire setting is more than a little bit reminiscent of her juvenile fiction. The young man out on his own, forming a mental Bond with one or more animals? Usually a cat? So this is a hillcat, not a ship's cat. And the young man is out on his own, not the ship's Purser. But the personality of both of the main characters is so obviously a tribute to Norton, that it is disappointing to not see her mentioned.
Other than that, it is a decent read for juvenile Syfy
No wait, wrong author. Yes, authors tend to inspire each other. I am disappointed though, that Mr Martell makes no mention or tribute to Andre Norton, although the entire setting is more than a little bit reminiscent of her juvenile fiction. The young man out on his own, forming a mental Bond with one or more animals? Usually a cat? So this is a hillcat, not a ship's cat. And the young man is out on his own, not the ship's Purser. But the personality of both of the main characters is so obviously a tribute to Norton, that it is disappointing to not see her mentioned.
Other than that, it is a decent read for juvenile Syfy
June 29, 2020
Just so stories for libertarians with a pinch of science fiction.
If you like your right wing ideology spoon fed in the style of young adult fiction then these are the stories for you. Two dimensional characters and one dimensional bad guys leave no room for surprise. Every encounter is obvious, every narrative battered home with a rock carved with a "don't tread on me" catch phrase.
If you ever wanted to know what a science fiction tale written by Wynn Rand would be like, then this is for you.
If you like your right wing ideology spoon fed in the style of young adult fiction then these are the stories for you. Two dimensional characters and one dimensional bad guys leave no room for surprise. Every encounter is obvious, every narrative battered home with a rock carved with a "don't tread on me" catch phrase.
If you ever wanted to know what a science fiction tale written by Wynn Rand would be like, then this is for you.
February 19, 2021
Decent for young adult readers
These books were entertaining. But for an older reader it left a lot to be desired. I have to admit I might have given it three stars except it is nine books available for 99 cents. And when you take an account that each book was the cost of 11 cents. It definitely becomes much more worth it.
These books were entertaining. But for an older reader it left a lot to be desired. I have to admit I might have given it three stars except it is nine books available for 99 cents. And when you take an account that each book was the cost of 11 cents. It definitely becomes much more worth it.
January 10, 2023
He only wanted free trade. But there needed to be peace. And that became his mission.
Put this down shortly after also not being able to make it through The Myth of the Entrepreneurial State which is about as serious (and dry) an argument for free trade and peace as possible. The series is a whopping, daunting 2206 pages! I got to the end of Book 1 with some difficulty, popped into Book 3 looking for a reason to hang in...but no joy. Too long, oversimplified characters and plot, and just...too long.
(Also, and I feel guilty about admitting this after the effort the author put into crafting the actual main character--the one with four legs--but I'm a dog person...)
June 15, 2020
A good, heart pounding adventure!
I loved this set of books. It told the story of one man and how he started the change to his world. The way he traveled, finding fantastic friends and the love of his life was great. I don't like stories that put women with unrealistic abilities. This story showed them at their best using tech to equalize and sometimes surpassing others. I approved how all the main characters constantly questioned what they did when using power. The lesson of abuse is well covered and reminds me how careful we have to be with it. Without checks, there will be abuse of power. No one is immune whether government or citizen. Making the first character's wife president was a good and unexpected example. All the trust and respect everyone showed was amazing. The only critique I would have was the characters were close to being too good, but I do believe those people exist only there are so rare.
I loved this set of books. It told the story of one man and how he started the change to his world. The way he traveled, finding fantastic friends and the love of his life was great. I don't like stories that put women with unrealistic abilities. This story showed them at their best using tech to equalize and sometimes surpassing others. I approved how all the main characters constantly questioned what they did when using power. The lesson of abuse is well covered and reminds me how careful we have to be with it. Without checks, there will be abuse of power. No one is immune whether government or citizen. Making the first character's wife president was a good and unexpected example. All the trust and respect everyone showed was amazing. The only critique I would have was the characters were close to being too good, but I do believe those people exist only there are so rare.
March 3, 2021
Good, clean action adventure
Negotiate the trade, agree to the trade, and deliver on the trade. Anyone who interferes with allowing that free trade or tries to take advantage of others is suspect and sets themselves up for removal. Branden comes from an area that allows free trade and uses his ingenuity to visit another area of the continent with the intention of finding unique trade goods only to find himself becoming the free trade champion in an area where bullies prosper and the average person is abused.
Along with his hillcat, G-War, Micah, whom he rescues, and a variety of new and unusual friends, the Free Trader revolutionizes life in the south, the north, and outer space.
Bonus that there is no explicit sex (only kissing), no profanity, no gratuitous violence, and it respects the contributions of all.
Negotiate the trade, agree to the trade, and deliver on the trade. Anyone who interferes with allowing that free trade or tries to take advantage of others is suspect and sets themselves up for removal. Branden comes from an area that allows free trade and uses his ingenuity to visit another area of the continent with the intention of finding unique trade goods only to find himself becoming the free trade champion in an area where bullies prosper and the average person is abused.
Along with his hillcat, G-War, Micah, whom he rescues, and a variety of new and unusual friends, the Free Trader revolutionizes life in the south, the north, and outer space.
Bonus that there is no explicit sex (only kissing), no profanity, no gratuitous violence, and it respects the contributions of all.
April 7, 2024
Not bad, but not especially a great read. It was the same story told nine times with variations on the setting. The same idea repeatedly pounded into the reader's consciousness: Free trade good, war bad, friendship good, batravens bad, universal equality good, androids bad. I'm not saying that I disagree with the overall moral of the story, except for the android part, but at times I struggled with the constant circling back to state the same thing over and over again. This my first experience with Mr Martelle's work and I have to say I hope his style differs in the other books I've already collected into my library. I honestly can't say that I recommend this series, but at the same time, I'm not ready to give up on the author's writing just yet. As always, your experience may differ from mine. This just might be your next favorite.
December 12, 2024
I considered not finishing the book until I realised I couldn't stop reading it. It was good. The world was interesting and the characters engaging.
However, I had a hard time with the cats and the inconsistent and incomplete information on the bond between cats and humans. Are their lives tied together? Can they stay distances away from each other or not? How is it different from a cat telling a non bonded human what to do or speaking with that human using the mindlink? Really poorly fleshed out.
However, I had a hard time with the cats and the inconsistent and incomplete information on the bond between cats and humans. Are their lives tied together? Can they stay distances away from each other or not? How is it different from a cat telling a non bonded human what to do or speaking with that human using the mindlink? Really poorly fleshed out.
August 3, 2025
Frantic, fascinating and fabulous
This series contains adventure after adventure and is so entertaining.
I loved all the different intelligent animal characters, including the main humans, and the good AI was cool as well.
Excellent story concept and Martelle’s easy flowing writing style made this a joy to read.
At times the meanness of the G cat was frustrating but this is minor compared to the overall huge amount of excitement delivered.
Peace comes with a price seems to be a key theme.
This series contains adventure after adventure and is so entertaining.
I loved all the different intelligent animal characters, including the main humans, and the good AI was cool as well.
Excellent story concept and Martelle’s easy flowing writing style made this a joy to read.
At times the meanness of the G cat was frustrating but this is minor compared to the overall huge amount of excitement delivered.
Peace comes with a price seems to be a key theme.
September 20, 2019
If you play any sci-fi RPG you should read this series. Full of great ideas and yet still a good st of stories. My minor beef with the series are the hellcats. I thought they were a bit overdone. But thats my minor issue. I enjoyed the adventures and explorations of the characters. Their faults and strengths as they developed. The idea of free trade as a basis of society. Go ahead and read the series. You won't be disappointed.
December 19, 2019
Amazing
This series was absolutely wonderful, the characters were so real and the story was so well written that it was like watching a movie in my head. I’d recommend this to teens and up, there is some violence and swearing but nothing to gory. This is definitely a must read, I know I’ll be reading it over and over again. Craig Martelle is a brilliant author, I’m going to check out the rest of his books right now. Happy reading.
This series was absolutely wonderful, the characters were so real and the story was so well written that it was like watching a movie in my head. I’d recommend this to teens and up, there is some violence and swearing but nothing to gory. This is definitely a must read, I know I’ll be reading it over and over again. Craig Martelle is a brilliant author, I’m going to check out the rest of his books right now. Happy reading.
January 28, 2020
Outstanding as Usual, Mr Martelle!
I thought this series was your most Amazing yet! The main characters have a strong ground in Social Justice; they see a world better & make it so!
The species that make up humanity are quite original while still being based in a reality that I would love to inhabit.
This series is great for young (even teens) & old alike: pick up a copy & start reading it today. This is one series you don't want to miss!
I thought this series was your most Amazing yet! The main characters have a strong ground in Social Justice; they see a world better & make it so!
The species that make up humanity are quite original while still being based in a reality that I would love to inhabit.
This series is great for young (even teens) & old alike: pick up a copy & start reading it today. This is one series you don't want to miss!
November 22, 2022
Not a great read, but there were high points...
Quite a variety of characters from the beginning, it just expands as the books progress. To be honest It probably took me six months to read through this monstrosity. I'd read until I couldn't handle the random story line, then come back to it much later. Would I read it again if I knew what I was getting into? Probably not. Not one of my favorites. Too random and too long.
Quite a variety of characters from the beginning, it just expands as the books progress. To be honest It probably took me six months to read through this monstrosity. I'd read until I couldn't handle the random story line, then come back to it much later. Would I read it again if I knew what I was getting into? Probably not. Not one of my favorites. Too random and too long.
January 28, 2023
great set of books
I found Cygnus rising books first and wanted to see where the story started and I was not disappointed. The stories kept me interested and I read all 9 books in rapid fashion. I look forward to reading more books from Craig Martello they are interesting books. I do not normally leave reviews for most books I read but these stories are compelling me to leave a good review.
I found Cygnus rising books first and wanted to see where the story started and I was not disappointed. The stories kept me interested and I read all 9 books in rapid fashion. I look forward to reading more books from Craig Martello they are interesting books. I do not normally leave reviews for most books I read but these stories are compelling me to leave a good review.
September 5, 2019
Enjoyed the story
I found the story line was very good.All the beings did come together quite well.The world that they were making is a place I could learn to love.I don't want to say to much and give the story away.Just that this story takes place on the planet and in space.Read and enjoy.
I found the story line was very good.All the beings did come together quite well.The world that they were making is a place I could learn to love.I don't want to say to much and give the story away.Just that this story takes place on the planet and in space.Read and enjoy.
October 26, 2019
Fantasy ++
I enjoyed the series, just pure fantasy, I enjoyed the repartee between the cat and the human, it was long, I bought the whole series as a box set and although I've bought other books while reading this series, I had to finish them all first, now I have bought the next 3 books, very easy reading, no in depth thinking just enjoyed the making of an ideal world.
I enjoyed the series, just pure fantasy, I enjoyed the repartee between the cat and the human, it was long, I bought the whole series as a box set and although I've bought other books while reading this series, I had to finish them all first, now I have bought the next 3 books, very easy reading, no in depth thinking just enjoyed the making of an ideal world.
February 6, 2020
The story of Braden and G-War!
I really enjoyed this series. I enjoyed the various sentient animals but loved Braden and his cat G-War. The relationship between the two was understandable to one who loves cats. I also enjoyed the relationship between Braden and Micah. This was a great journey and I look forward to more of this universe.
I really enjoyed this series. I enjoyed the various sentient animals but loved Braden and his cat G-War. The relationship between the two was understandable to one who loves cats. I also enjoyed the relationship between Braden and Micah. This was a great journey and I look forward to more of this universe.
February 28, 2020
Absolutely wonderful Amazing start to finish
This series is an inspiring look at the lives of people who really care about doing what is good and wholesome for all people.
If we could only do that here and now with our population's around our small planet!
What a amazing world this could be.
This series is an inspiring look at the lives of people who really care about doing what is good and wholesome for all people.
If we could only do that here and now with our population's around our small planet!
What a amazing world this could be.
June 13, 2021
Excellent series. Great character development including the surly cat.
Thoroughly enjoyed this boxed set. Martell is an excellent writer. Have read other books by him and enjoyed them as well. If you are curious about what a world where animals and humans collaborated could be like and have ever wondered what a cat thinks, be prepared to find out!
Thoroughly enjoyed this boxed set. Martell is an excellent writer. Have read other books by him and enjoyed them as well. If you are curious about what a world where animals and humans collaborated could be like and have ever wondered what a cat thinks, be prepared to find out!
February 25, 2022
What a movie series this would make!
Aliens! Humans! Sentient cats and other animals! A star that turns out to be a ship! SO much more! If you liked Jurassic Park, Star Trek and Star Wars, you will enjoy this 9-book space romp. Check NO I'm not going to list any spoilers. You will have a lot more fun discovering this story yourself!
Aliens! Humans! Sentient cats and other animals! A star that turns out to be a ship! SO much more! If you liked Jurassic Park, Star Trek and Star Wars, you will enjoy this 9-book space romp. Check NO I'm not going to list any spoilers. You will have a lot more fun discovering this story yourself!
May 18, 2024
Free Trader series is great
This is a really good series with great characters of all shapes and sizes. I've always enjoyed Craigs writing and he doesn't disappoint with this series. I personally liked the despicable Governor Anderle! LOL Fantastic storyline with great character development, a really enjoyable read
This is a really good series with great characters of all shapes and sizes. I've always enjoyed Craigs writing and he doesn't disappoint with this series. I personally liked the despicable Governor Anderle! LOL Fantastic storyline with great character development, a really enjoyable read
August 17, 2019
Fantastic read
A well written series with great characters. Lots of action and adventure and interaction between different species. Highly recommended and one of the best series I've read .
A well written series with great characters. Lots of action and adventure and interaction between different species. Highly recommended and one of the best series I've read .
September 19, 2019
My review
First I can't say how much I enjoyed this book. The interaction of all the animals and humans were a delight. Who knows what could and will happen in the future. A solid five stars.
First I can't say how much I enjoyed this book. The interaction of all the animals and humans were a delight. Who knows what could and will happen in the future. A solid five stars.
October 8, 2019
Great stories
Five stars I love the humor and the feeling of family. I picked this story line do to the brief tag line a car and his group. I love cats and these stories remind me of Anne McCaffery's baroque cars and croonies.
Five stars I love the humor and the feeling of family. I picked this story line do to the brief tag line a car and his group. I love cats and these stories remind me of Anne McCaffery's baroque cars and croonies.
March 18, 2020
Delightfully thought provoking
The characters and interplay between them make the series a real page turnner. I would recommend it for teen through adult readers who are open to speculative fiction.
The characters and interplay between them make the series a real page turnner. I would recommend it for teen through adult readers who are open to speculative fiction.
September 7, 2020
Really good series
This was a really fun series. I really liked the progression of the stories, the way the characters were developed, and found the universe very interesting and fun. I definitely recommend it.
This was a really fun series. I really liked the progression of the stories, the way the characters were developed, and found the universe very interesting and fun. I definitely recommend it.
January 21, 2021
Excellent for young sci-fi fans
But this book needs proofreading.. Love the premis.. Characters are varied and believable.. Age 76, always lived with and communed with many species.. Always wished we could speak through our minds to understand each other better..
But this book needs proofreading.. Love the premis.. Characters are varied and believable.. Age 76, always lived with and communed with many species.. Always wished we could speak through our minds to understand each other better..
April 8, 2021
Action packed World building
If you like world building, this is your series. It goes from primitive to space and back again. As varied a cast of characters as you could hope to meet . some human, some not, but all with humanity. Very interesting read.
If you like world building, this is your series. It goes from primitive to space and back again. As varied a cast of characters as you could hope to meet . some human, some not, but all with humanity. Very interesting read.
July 11, 2021
More Great Characters
Enjoyed this series, as I have all of Craig Marvelled works. He has a way with words. Craig creates characters you come to care about. When that happens, you just need more!!!
Enjoyed this series, as I have all of Craig Marvelled works. He has a way with words. Craig creates characters you come to care about. When that happens, you just need more!!!
December 12, 2022
never a full moment
A wonderful read I highly recommend Braden Micah Even Holly are great characters the other members Wolfoids The Hawkoids And all the other versions of humanity are great
A wonderful read I highly recommend Braden Micah Even Holly are great characters the other members Wolfoids The Hawkoids And all the other versions of humanity are great
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews